ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the classical psychological theory, before going on to outline an organisational theory. The hospital, medical and nursing literature reports tensions, anxieties and frequent difficulties among personnel dealing with organ donation and braindead patients. The Organisational Theory of Cognitive Balance specifies and analyses the ways in which cognitive processes operate in organisational contexts and through organisational mechanisms. In general, many organisational arrangements and practices including rituals and special discourses answer to immediate organisational or professional ends. Organisationally relevant situations for possible cognitive imbalance arise whenever core professionals, occupying defined organisational positions and playing particular roles, are responsible for the situation and must commit themselves to action. The application of criteria of irreversible brain failure in defining death builds on advanced technology and specialised knowledge. Data, experiences or messages that contradict professionally relevant cognitions and judgements can be highly problematic.
